The Colorado Trail Self-Guided

TOUR DESCRIPTION

The final 74 miles of the Colorado Trail are arguably the finest of the entire trail length from Denver and certainly one of the premiere backcountry singletracks in our entire country. You’ll tackle this route in 4 days and camp 3 nights under the Rocky Mountain skies. Riders will be treated to an alpine wonderland of wildflowers and rugged mountain peaks during the summer months of July and August. (pssst: our wildflower peak is usually 3rd week of July through first week of August!)

This self-guided mountain bike tour is challenging. Along the 74 miles you’ll climb close to 10,000 total feet and many times face a variety of weather changes. That said, everyone who finishes our Colorado Trail mountain bike tour walks away with a sense of accomplishment that can be hard to find in this modern world!

We created this Colorado Trail mountain bike tour for those who don’t want a guide, don’t want to be supported during the week and generally just want their own self-serve adventure with a bit of logistical assistance. Each day we relocate a very deluxe camp setup (provided by Ready Camp) of (2) 10×10 canopies, full kitchen, dry firewood, camp chairs, fresh water, coolers of food and beverages (you purchase prior to trip) and all your personal gear like tents, bags and clothing. You can go as cheap or deluxe as you want on food, beverages and amenities!!

Riders should be prepared to meet us the night before to pickup coolers from Ready Camp to do your grocery and beverage shopping for your 4 days. We’re happy to help you get to the store and back to your lodging if you don’t have a car during your stay…

Day One:

Setting off at nearly 11,000 feet on the Colorado Trail, riders are treated to 360 degree panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains right from the word go. The first 1/3 of the day will consist of a little up, a little down and a lotta beauty…

Day Two:

Continue on the Colorado Trail on rolling singletrack that hugs the perimeter of Hermosa Peak’s rocky talus fields, ascends up and over Beach Peak and then gently cruises through a thick forest to the base of Blackhawk Pass…

Day Three:

The day starts with a rolling traverse with long views back toward the Hermosa Creek drainage and even as far as the Weminuche Wilderness. Generally you’ll be gaining altitude for the better half of our day as you start the toughest part of the whole route: Indian Trail Ridge…

A – Beginning in 2014 we will have a gravity/solar shower on the trip. This works great for a quick rinse off and refresh.

Q – Where do I shop for food for this trip?

A – There is a City Market grocery store a few blocks from Pedal the Peaks and there is also an Albertson’s very close.

Q – Can I rent a bike for this trip?

A – Yes you can. Second Avenue Sports in Durango, CO carries a lot of great bikes including our favorite, Yeti Cycles.

Q – How do I navigate the route?

A – The Colorado Trail is pretty well marked, but we ask that you pick up the Durango Recreation map from Latitude 40 Maps. When the trip starts we will mark your maps and explain where the camps are located.